The San Diego Padres' ongoing quest for a World Series (or at least a playoff title). "You know that many runners enter a race, but only one of them wins the prize. So run to win! Athletes work hard to win a crown that cannot last, but we do it for a crown that will last forever." 1 Corinthians 9:24-25

The Last Trevor Time Ever

Trevor Hoffman and his family walk to the infield from the bullpen.

I don’t even know where to begin. Today was incredible. It went so perfectly. I can’t even imagine what kind of emotions Trevor is going through right now. Today was a very, very special day for him, his family and friends, and all Padres fans.

At about 12:31 p.m. this afternoon, Ted Leitner started Trevor Hoffman’s retirement ceremony. Soon, “Hell’s Bells” started playing and Trevor walked out of the Padres bullpen. I had been getting slightly emotional while waiting for the ceremony to being, but once his song started playing and he walked out, I lost it. It was an amazing moment. I was shaking and crying and happy and sooo excited.

It was the last Trevor Time. Ever. It was the last time that he would walk in from that bullpen to Hell’s Bells. It was sad, but it wasn’t entirely despairing. It’s like a new chapter in his story. Yeah, he’ll never pitch in the Major Leagues again, but I don’t think we’re done seeing Trevor. He’s still going to be around and doing new and exciting things. I’m really happy for him.

Trev walked all the way to the infield with his family. I thought that was really cool because his wife and kids were never able to do that walk from the bullpen with him before.

It was an amazing ceremony. Lots of videos, lots of memories. And so many of the influential people in Trevor’s life were there, from his coaches when he was really young to teammates from his whole career. It was so cool!

Today was declared “Trevor Hoffman Day” by the Mayor of San Diego. One of the really cool things during the ceremony was the gift the Padres gave to Trevor: a 1958 Cadillac convertible. Amazing. You should have seen Trevor’s face when he got that thing. It seems like the perfect gift for him.

The number 51 was revealed next to the other retired numbers on the top of the scoreboard. It looks like it belongs there.

Trevor Hoffman's number, 51, is now officially retired from the San Diego Padres.

There were so many wonderful words spoken about Trevor, by his family members, former teammates, coaches, and fellow baseball players. It reminded me how amazingly blessed we are to have him here in San Diego. He is such a classy guy, such a role model, such an inspiration.

As the ceremony came to a close, Trevor took a turn to speak and thank everyone for the incredible day. Then it was time for the National Anthem. Oh my goodness. The Padres played a video of Ed Hoffman, Trevor’s father, singing the National Anthem in 1981. It was amazing.

The Padres really did an incredible job with this day. They made it so special for Trevor and his family. So special. Of course, this day was to honor Trevor, but they made it fun for the fans, too. They gave us posters and embossings, and then we could buy commemorative cups and shirts and hats.

The energy that was around me was amazing. It was probably because I was on the field level. I think things are a little more intense down there than the upper deck, where I usually reside. But still, it was just amazing to be in that environment, where everyone was so excited about Trevor.

It was truly a day that will never be forgotten.

Trevor, you deserved today. You have been an inspiration to many people, including me. I was so proud today to be wearing the number 51, and I’m so proud to be a Padres fan. Even through all the losses and all the trades and the way the team doesn’t generally do well, today taught me that being a Padres fan is so much more than just the performance on the field. It’s the people. It’s the athletes. It’s people like you who are good at baseball but great at being a wonderful person. Your legacy is so much bigger than your 601 saves; your legacy is the lives that you touched and the people you served.

I am so glad that I was able to be there today. I’m so glad that you are a Padre. Thank you, thank you, thank you for everything. You mean more to us then you’ll ever know.

Meta

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